Netflix’s Dabba Cartel, is a Hindi-language crime drama that attempts to blend domestic life with the gritty underworld of drug trafficking. Set in the Mumbai suburb of Thane, the series follows five middle-class women who, under the guise of operating a traditional tiffin (dabba) service, become entangled in a high-stakes drug operation. Despite its promising premise and a stellar ensemble cast, the series struggles to deliver a cohesive and engaging narrative.
Plot and Characters
The story revolves around Sheila Jagtap (Shabana Azmi), a woman with ties to the criminal underworld; her daughter-in-law Raji (Shalini Pandey), a chef; Varuna Dasgupta (Jyotika), a former CFO of a pharmaceutical company; Mala (Nimisha Sajayan), a domestic worker; and Shahida (Anjali Anand), a real estate broker. Together, they exploit their tiffin service to distribute illicit drugs, navigating the complexities of their new venture while dealing with personal challenges. The narrative also includes Ajit Pathak (Gajraj Rao), a drug safety officer, and Preeti (Sai Tamhankar), a police officer, who are investigating the pharmaceutical company VivaLife for manufacturing an unregulated opioid.
Strengths
One of the series’ notable strengths is its focus on female dynamics and empowerment. The interactions among the five women, each from different social strata, are portrayed with depth and authenticity. Their evolving relationships add emotional weight to the narrative. The performances, particularly by Shabana Azmi and Jyotika, have been praised for their nuance and conviction. The production design effectively captures the contrasting worlds the characters inhabit, from domestic spaces to the criminal underworld.
Weaknesses
Despite its strengths, Dabba Cartel suffers from several shortcomings. Critics have pointed out the series’ inconsistent tone, oscillating between serious drama and quirky comedy, which undermines its overall impact. The writing has been described as generic, with underdeveloped characters and a lack of narrative cohesion. The pacing is uneven, with some episodes feeling rushed while others drag, leading to a disjointed viewing experience.
Reception
The series has received mixed reviews from both critics and audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 70% approval rating Conclusionased on 10 reviews. While some viewers appreciated the unique premise and strong performances, others criticized the show for its lack of depth and coherence. Social media reactions have been similarly divided, with some praising the series as a thrilling ride, while others found it juvenile and poorly executed.
Conclusion
Dabba Cartel sets out to offer a fresh take on the crime drama genre by centring on a group of women navigating the drug trade under the cover of a tiffin service.
While the concept is intriguing and the performances commendable, the series ultimately falls short due to its inconsistent tone, underdeveloped characters, and uneven pacing. For viewers interested in crime dramas with a unique premise, Dabba Cartel may be worth a watch, but it doesn’t quite live up to its potential.a stellar ensemble cast, the series struggles to deliver a cohesive and engaging narrative.
